has the purpose of meeting a specific goal. The goal (beyond the research itself) is well defined, and the research is narrowly focused on obtaining that goal. The goal may or may not be commercial, but it always includes putting something into practical use.

The investigation of some phenomena to discover whether its properties are appropriate to a particular need or want. In contrast, basic research investigates phenomena without reference to particular human needs and wants.

Research aimed at gaining the knowledge or understanding to meet a specific, recognized need; in industry, applied research includes investigations to discover new scientific knowledge that has specific commercial objectives with respect to products, processes, or services.

Research undertaken with the intention of applying the results to some specific problem, such as studying the effects of different methods of law enforcement on crime rates. One of the biggest differences between applied and basic research is that in applied work the research questions are most often determined, not by researchers, but by policy makers or others who want help. Types of applied research include evaluation research and action research.

research that is conducted for the purpose of applying the results to a specific problem; research that seeks to apply scientific knowledge to the solution of practical problems and investigates problems that have practical value. See: basic research.

as opposed to basic research, applied research is the type of research which is conducted to solve practical problems, find cures to illnesses, develop therapies with the purpose of helping people, and other similar types of practical problem-solving research.

aimed at gaining knowledge or understanding to determine the means by which a specific recognized need may be met. Applied research builds upon the discoveries of basic research to enable commercialization.

Efforts, typically funded within the Exploratory Development category of RDT&E, to determine and exploit the potential of science and engineering knowledge and understanding in technology such as new materials, devices, methods, and processes.